Gus and Trudy vs. Squirrels

Gus and Trudy took a break today from looking for the mysterious gnome. Early in the morning they heard Elaine in the garden and she was loudly yelling.

They heard her say something about plants and then a big screech and something about squirrels. And a couple of words that Trudy did not understand but Gus said he had heard the trolls that lived in the sewers say. He told Trudy that those words should not be repeated in pleasant society.

Gus and Trudy rushed out of their house in the orderly garden and saw complete chaos. Some basil, strawberries, tomato and other plants had been dug into by the horrible squirrels! Elaine looked sad and mad at the same time.

Elaine muttered something about finding something to get rid of the squirrels and stomped off, huffing and puffing.

Gus ran around the garden trying to set the plants back to rights. He saw a few squirrels watching him and chattring away.

"You better watch yourselves, she's pretty mad and I don't know what she will do."

The squirrels just laughed and ran away.

Trudy said she was going to try to get a few owl friends to patrol the garden at night. Gus thought he would take a nap so he could sit up on the porch and shoot the squirrels with a water gun if they went near the plants. Ekaine had gotten into her car and driven away to find someone to help her "get rid of the devils".

Maybe the mysterious gnome will also help Gus and Trudy?

Or will he help the squirrels?

Memorial Day for Gus and Trudy

Gus and Trudy spent Memorial Day thinking all about the men and women in the Armed Forces. Especialy those who had given their lives in order for all of us to live free.

Gus and Trudy Spend Some Time with the Baker

Even though Gus and Trudy were anxious to find out who the hanging gnome was they planned to spend the day with their friend the Baker.

The Baker was an old old friend of Gus' family. He very much enjoyed when Gus and Trudy came to spend time with him. The Baker would, well, bake. Gus would wrap up the packages to be delivered. Trudy would fly around and deliver the packages. When the day was done and all the packages had been delivered and the Bakery had been cleaned up then the real fun would begin.

The Baker would have special packages that he had made up for Gus and Trudy to bring home. They would be wraped up in pretty paper with oak leaves for bows. He would put them by the door for Gus and Trudy to bring home. But that wasn't the best part!

Besides being an excellent baker, the Baker was also a wonderful and gifted story teller. Gus and Trudy would make some cocoa and the Baker would bring out some cookies. Then for the next two hours while Gus and Trudy ate and drank to their hearts content, he would weave the most magical tales.

As the Baker talked, Gus and Trudy could just picture all the excitement and adventure in his tales. Then they very carefully piked up their packages, hugged the Baker and flew home to their little home in the orderly garden on Bloomfield Avenue.

Gus and Trudy Meet the Troll Couple

Gus and Trudy still could not figure out who the unknown hanging gnome was. They had visited with the Travelling Gnome (TG) and today they were visiting the Troll Couple (Mr. and Mrs. T).

Before they left to go visiting they felt that they had to straighten up their front yard. Elaine had spent a great deal of time in the garden straightening it up and making it look pretty. Gus and Trudy just wanted to help by making their own little spot look a little nicer. They planted two new red mushrooms and added pretty pink jewels from the mines to their pathway.

Satisfied with the work they had done they went to visit Mr. and Mrs. T.

The Troll Couple were very happy to have visitors. Many people and animals were afraid of trolls so the couple were often overlooked when party invites were sent out. But Gus and Trudy liked the Troll Couple. one time when Gus had fallen and hurt his arm, Mrs. T had made a sling and given Gus some dandelion tea to help make him feel better. Mr. T had gotten stuck in a large mud puddle and was sinking fast when Trudy had heard his cries. Flying at top speed she had swooped down and pulled Mr.T out of harm's way. The four of them had become very close friends.

Sipping dandelion tea and eating vanilla scones Mr. and Mrs.T tried to think if the had seen the hanging gnome well....hanging around. They didn't remember seeing him and they couldn't think of who he could be.

Gus and Trudy stayed long into the evening visiting with the Troll Couple and when Gus started yawning they knew it was time to go. As they flew home they talked about the mystery of the hanging gnome....the mystery continues...

Gus and Trudy Meet the Travelling Gnome

Gus and Trudy are still trying to figure out who the gnome was from yesterday. They started making their visits to other gnomes who live on Bloomfield Avenue to see if anyone knew who the new gnome was.

Their first stop was in the Berman's living room where they met the Travelling Gnome (TG for short).

TG had just come back from a trip to Barbados and didn't even realize that there was a new gnome in town (or on the street).

TG showed Gus and Trudy some pictures from his vacation over some nice hot tea. Afterwards Gus and Trudy decided they needed a rest before they went on with their visits.

Who Could This Be?

Who could this be? Is he coming to visit Gus and Trudy? Why is he hanging up in the air? What is he trying to do? Stay posted for answers to these and other burning questions...

Gus and Trudy Play in the Greenhouse

Gus and Trudy were so happy to be back home. The fact that it was a sunny day made it even better. They knew that Elaine had a lot of work to do in the garden so they really didn't want to stay in the house and listen to her clomping around.

Where to go?

Trudy remembered that the greenhouses were still set up on the deck. She talked Gus into flying up with her and they snuck into the greenhouse.

Were they ever shocked! The plants were just starting to sprout when they left for vacation and now the were ginormous!

They were so big that Gus and Trudy were able to play a rousing game of hide and seek. At one point they couldn't even find one another!

Jasmine the cat even came out and watched them playing in the greenhouses. She soon tired of watching them and fell asleep on the deck in the sun.

Gus and Trudy played well into the evening. They zipped up the greenhouses and said good night to the plants (they know the secret to happy plants is talking to them). Gus ran home and made a beautiful salad for Trudy. Trudy flew around and picked some pretty roses for Gus. They had a wonderful dinner. They were both so tired from playing earlier in the day that they fell asleep on the swing on their front porch.

Gus and Trudy Love Writing Letters

I'll bet that there is something that you do not know about Gus and Trudy. It's really not a secret - not a big one. Instead of guessing I'll just tell you. Gus and Trudy love to get mail. Any kind of mail - email, postcards, letters, notes, cards, quick jotted messages - any kind of mail!

Since many people do not know that Gus and Trudy live in the orderly garden on Bloomfield Ave. they often do not receive mail. I am hoping that this will change. Gus and Trudy have gotten themselves a pen pal from their trip to Disney. I will keep you posted. They are so excited to start getting mail!

Gus and Trudy Fly Home

Gus and Trudy woke up early on Saturday morning. They had both had such a wonderful vacation but it was time to head back home to NJ. They packed up all of their things and asked Elaine of she could put it in the car.

"OK Gus and Trudy", she said," but you have to promise to be very careful flying. Trudy is still getting better from her little accident on Splash Mountain."

Trudy told Elaine that her foot was feeling much better. Gus and Trudy told Elaine that the minute they got to the house in NJ they would let Jasmine and Josie, the cats, know that the Bermans were on their way. Gus and Trudy knew that Elaine and Sara Jane missed the girls very much and always worried a little about them when they were away.

It was a beautiful day for flying. Gus and Trudy flew through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and part of New Jersey. They flew up the coast and found their house. First Trudy flew to the window and tap tap tapped. Jasmine came to the window and Trudy told her the Bermans were on their way home.

Then Trudy flew down to her home with Gus. Gus and Trudy had a warm cup of fruit tea, said good night and climbed into their beds. They heard the rain beating down on the roof of their house. They were warm, full, tired and in their own house. They were happy.

Surprises at Magic Kingdom

Elaine had to gently wake up Gus and Trudy this morning. They were still very tired from Norwegian Independence Day. But they jumped up, washed their faces, brushed their teeth and hopped on the bus for the Magic Kingdom.

They were very excited because they knew there were surprises waiting for them.

Gus was met by his old old friends the 7 dwarfs. they hugged one another tightly because they had not seen each other for a very very long time. Gus introduced Trudy to them. The dwarfs were so happy to have Gus and Trudy with them that they took them to meet Snow White and her prince. Trudy was beside herself with excitement. To meet a real princess had been a very closely guarded dream of hers.

They spent part of the day visiting and Snow White invited them to lunch. Of course they had to accept. Lunch was a very joyful occasion and when it was over Snow White gave a kiss to Gus and to Trudy as well. The dwarfs were sad to Gus and Trudy go but they understood.

Elaine then took Gus and Trudy into Winnie the Pooh's forest. Trudy was so excited. She knew what was coming. She was bristling with pleasure and letting out happy hoots.

"Go on Trudy - fly with Gus and visit your uncle", Elaine knew that Trudy was very happy. "Just be home before midnight."

Trudy flew off with Gus to her Uncle Owl's house. he lived in the Hundred Acre Wood with Pooh, Tigger, Eyore, Rabbit, Kanga and Roo, Piglet and all their friends.

Uncle Owl was happy to meet Gus and he wept with happiness to see his niece, Trudy. He introduced them to all of his friends. Gus was especially impressed to meet Eyore. he had heard all the stories from the Hundred Acre Wood and had felt that Eyore was a suitably serious sort of fellow.

The party went on for hours and hours. At 11:30 Trudy and Gus said their good-byes and flew back to the hotel room. Trudy tap tap tapped on the window and Elaine let them in and put them to bed in their cozy towel nest.

Gus and Trudy Celebrate Norwegian Independence Day

Today was Norwegian Independence day. Gus woke up and was so excited. he knew that he and Trudy had been invited to go over to the Norwegian Pavillion and celebrate with his relatives. Even though Trudy's foot still hurt her she was just as excited as Gus to go and have fun.

Trudy flew over with Gus on her back. They were very warmly welcomed. Gus and Trudy had all kinds of Norwegian delicacies, pretzels with icing and almonds. Fish. Salmon sandwiches. Lots and lots of pastries and lots of lemonade.

Trudy sat back with the trolls and watched Gus and his gnome relatives dance and sing Norwegian songs. She waved the Norwegian flag and cheered them on.

Very late at night Gus woke Trudy up. She had fallen asleep in the troll nest. He climbed on her back and they flew back to the hotel room. Trudy tap tap tapped on the window and Elaine let them in.

"Gus and Trudy i was getting worried about you. Did you have fun?"

Gus and Trudy both nodded yes and climbed into the towel nest Elaine had made for them.

"You both need to have a good night's sleep. We are going to the Magic Kingdom tomorrow and I have a few surprises for both of you. Close your eyes and go to sleep."

And they did.

Gus and Trudy in the Magic Kingdom

Early this morning Gus and Trudy woke up and flew down to the bakery for a cinnamon bun for breakfast. They love cinnamon buns just about as much as they love gardening (alot). They sat at a table near the lake and munched away happily. When they were finished they flew back up to the room where the Bermans were. Trudy tapped on the window and Elaine let them in.

"You are both covered in icing from you r bun", said Elaine,"Let me wash you up." Gus and Trudy very patiently let Elaine wipe their faces. Then they were all set to go to the Magic Kingdom.

Gus and Trudy were so excited when they flew down Main Street. The stopped and talked to the horses pulling a trolley, a few ducks walking by the bakery and a heron perched on a bench.

The Bermans decided to go on Splash Mountain and of course, Gus and Trudy wanted to go as well. Elaine tried to tell them that they were not big enough to go, but they both insisted.

They perched on Haskell's shoulder for a little while and then Elaine told them they had to sit in the seat. Just then the log flume hit a bump and Gus and Trudy fell onto the bench. Trudy chipped a bone in her foot. Elaine tucked her into a hankie and let her rest inside of her bag. Gus fretted all afternoon.

After a nice long nap Trudy felt much better. Elaine told her that when they got home to New Jersey she would have to take a better look at Trudy's foot - but not to worry - everything would be OK.

Elaine walked Gus and Trudy over to the caramel shop and everyone got a caramel apple. They all went back to the hotel room and ate their apples. Gus and Trudy had to have their faces washed again but they didn't mind. Elaine tucked them both into bed and they quickly fell asleep.

Gus and Trudy arrive in Disney

Gus and Trudy had to wake up early this morning. Since they hadn't much sleep the night before they decided flying was out of the question. They were very happy to drive in the car and they slept a bit in the backseat with Sara Jane.

Finally, the moment they had waited for - they had arrived in Disney. They were very impressed with their room and unpacked their things right away. Gus suggested that they go over to EPCOT and into the Norweigan Pavillion because he had a few relatives there that he wanted to visit . Trudythought that was a good idea but she wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom at some point so she could visit with friends also.

Gus and Trudy flew over to visit Gus' relatives and a good time was had by all!

Gus and Trudy have Georgia on their mind...

Gus and Trudy had a long day today. They woke up and had a few bites of a roll for breakfast. They had been arguing all night. Gus wanted to ride in the car with Elain, Haskell and Sara Jane but Trudy wanted to fly. They argued back and forth but Gus had heard the latest news report calling for rain and told Trudy that it wasn't safe to fly.

The ride was very pleasant. They napped with Sara Jane in the backseat for a while. Then they sang with Elaine in the front for a while. Haskell was not amused.

The minute they got to the hotel Gus and Trudy began jumping on the bed. Haskell chased them off the bed and they flew over to the clock. After a while by the clock they became bored and flew over to the window and spent the rest ofthe afternoon looking out at all the people.

As it became later Elaine had to tell Gus and Trudy to get to bed so that they would be rested for Disneythe next day.

Meet Gus and Trudy

Welcome to Gus and Trudy's Blog. Gus the Gnome and Gertrude (but call her Trudy) the Owl are the best of friends. They both live in my garden. Occasionally they come on trips with me. They love these trips and call them their "adventures". When Gus and Trudy heard that we were taking a trip to Disney World they just begged to come along.

Of course Gus and Trudy are coming with us. I picked them up in front of their house. They had to say goodbye to a few friends. (One looked suspiciously like a certain mouse we are going to see).

For the next week we will be sharing pictures of Gus and Trudy in Florida. Get ready for their adventures.....